Big Society Capital continues to support Leapfrog finance

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We would like to give a big thank you to Big Society Capital for their continued support of the fantastic projects here at Leapfrog finance! The new £20m finance facility we have secured from them will enable communities to install, build and acquire renewable, low carbon energy.

Through this we are going to be able to access to a wider range of new renewable energy technologies, alongside lower interest rates and arrangement fees. This will provide a tangible and positive difference to all the communities we aim to support- in particular, helping people who are in fuel poverty.

"We are pleased to be able to offer our continued support and look forward to the learnings that will come out of Leapfrog Finance’s new projects.”- Candice Hampson, Investment Director at Big Society Capital

Here's to an exciting green future for energy projects across the UK, and more!

Latest

In Autumn 2018, Thistles Garden Centre received a grant to install an 11.73kWp roof mounted solar PV array and an 11kWp air source heat pump. The Centre provides a safe and stable environment where adults with learning disabilities are able to grow produce that is then sold to the local community.

In Summer 2018, Melosheb School in Zambia received a grant to install a 1.7kWp roof mounted solar PV array and four lithium ion batteries. The school is located in the outskirts of the capital Lusaka. This has provided electricity for the first time which has allowed for the introduction of IT at the school and also means that staff and pupils can work at the school in a safe environment after dark.

Bowden House is a school in Seaford that supports students with a range of complex social, emotional and mental health difficulties. In 2018 they installed a 82kW roof mounted solar PV across several of its buildings.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) recently published a draft Environment Strategy, Solar Action Plan and Fuel Poverty Strategy. The Mayor asked everyone interested to provide any feedback they had on the strategies. Pure Leapfrog's detailed response is here for anyone who wishes to read it.

Community Energy provides environmental, social and financial benefits to communities. However, there is currently no tool that enables groups to accurately and comprehensively monitor and evaluate these benefits. Pure Leapfrog, in conjunction with SELCE, CEE and BSC have produced a report examining this lack of a M&E tool.

LEAP, Pure Leapfrog's Local Energy Accelerator Platform is now almost two years old and we are continuing to update it to ensure that community groups get the best possible value for money on their legal costs.

Do you want to transform the energy system and make a difference to communities? Are you passionate about community energy and want to make a difference?
If this sounds like you, this page is where you can find live opportunities to work with us and help us to continue to ensure that community energy becomes a significant part of the sustainable energy mix.

Our Bridge Fund is a £30 million revolving loan facility from BSC to support large scale community energy projects. The facility is managed by Leapfrog Finance and is able to provide equity and construction finance.

Our Community Energy Fund drew on a credit facility from Big Society Capital, whilst funders and sponsors contributed to it through donations. The fund provided small to medium loans to UK community renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.